We had a fantastic day at the Magic Kingdom yesterday! The Chilean miners (below, left and right) were given a key to the Magic Kingdom in a parade and short ceremony, and they were even able to greet guests who gave them nothing short of a heroes welcome.

The Chilean miners wore matching Mickey t-shirts and construction/miner hats with Mickey ears on them (below, left) as they posed in front of the castle. The miners have been here for several days with their families. The parade made it’s way down Main Street USA (below, right), with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and other Disney characters leading the procession.

Dopey (below, left) holds balloons and waves to the crowd. Mickey joins several of the miners (below, right) in a car while Goofy walks behind.

Daisy and Dale were part of the procession (below left). The Main Street Omnibus held the remaining miners as they enthusiastically waved, gave thumbs up, and greeted the crowd (below, right).

The miners were taken to in front of City Hall (below, left), where they got out of the Ominibus (below, right), as hundreds of guests were waiting to hug them and shake their hands.

Video #1 – Chilean Miners and Rescuers Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World 1/31/11 – The Chilean miners who were rescued (and their rescuers) were treated to a Walt Disney World vacation and a parade down Main Street!

Josh Agle, better known as the artist SHAG, was at the Magic Kingdom for the first time ever to sign his artwork (below, left). We were even treated to samples from the Confectionery by their wonderful cast members! (below, right)

SHAG created a beautiful 40th anniversary lithograph (below, left), and he was so friendly to each of us as we met him (below, right). This litho is part of a full line of merchandise that will be introduced this summer.

Video #2 – SHAG – JoSH AGle Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom w/Dapper Dans “Grim Grinning Ghosts” 1/31/11 – We were in line to meet SHAG (a wonderful artist who has never been to WDW to sign before), and the Dapper Dans came and sang “Grim Grinning Ghosts”.

We thought the facade currently on the back of Cinderella Castle looks amazing, it even looks like you can see inside Cinderella’s Royal Table! (below left and right).

Each time we see the work going on in the upcoming New Fantasyland, it seems that much has changed from the last time (below left and right). It’s harder to see with the trees in the way, but I’m really looking forward to this new land when it’s finished.

There are several buildings that have been constructed, from The Little Mermaid to the Be Our Guest Tavern (below left and right). Remember that Mickey’s Toontown Fair will close after February 11th as it gets ready for the New Fantasyland!

Video #3 – New Fantasyland View from Dumbo, 1/31/11 Walt Disney World – The view of Fantasyland from Dumbo, Walt Disney World on January 31st, 2011. This is meant for pausing to get the best view of the buildings!

There had been rumors for quite some time about the possible Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, so we weren’t too surprised when it was announced (below left and right).

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is supposed to be a ride that is a combination of Disneyland’s Casey Jr. Circus Train and Big Thunder Mountain, but with a whole new ride system (below, left and right) that features ride vehicles that swing back and forth as they move down the track.

Beautiful, new artwork has been added to the Magic Kingdom walls, including of the Beast (below, left) and Ariel and Eric (below, right). This is a very exciting time to be a fan of Disney, with so much money and talent being pumped into both coasts!

Video #4 – New Fantasyland Wall Concept Art Magic Kingdom 1/31/11 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Little Mermaid – This is the concept art on the wall of the Magic Kingdom for the New Fantasyland, including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Little Mermaid ride!

For more great photos, please check out MouseSteps latest update HERE!

Latest Release – The Splendor of the Holidays at the Walt Disney World Resorts!

All New Holiday Treat 2010 DVD – Available Now:

Seasons Greetings from Jeff Lange! Celebrate the holidays with this new DVD featuring the 2010 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World.

Features yearly favorites such as: “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish (Castle Lighting)“, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade“, “Holiday Wishes Fireworks – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season“, “Celebrate the Season Show“, Very Merry Party Scenes, and much more!

Magic Kingdom Summertime 2010:

Jeff Lange brings the grandeur of Spectromagic, the brilliance of the Main Street Electrical Parade, and the dazzling display of the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Show to your door with Jeff Lange’s Magic Kingdom Summertime 2010.

Walt Disney World Vintage Footage:

Jeff Lange turns back the clock to 1986, where you will experience Walt Disney World through the eyes of Disneyana documentarian Bob Welbaum. This incredible vintage footage includes select narration from Mr. Welbaum, who shot this video before recording was commonplace.